Criminal

Chapter 29

Harry's POV:

I was walking around my hotel room in New York a few hours before the concert when I noticed a letter hanging out of my duffel bag. I pulled it out and sat on my bed.

I unfolded it and I saw Caroline's handwriting.

Harry

I hope one day you realize what you mean to me. As of right now I don't know what will happen, ever. All I know is you take care of me like no one else, and you're the core of my life. If it weren't for you, I may just be back in that place I had to call home.
You taught me a few things in the short time we've known each other. Everyone makes mistakes, that could be stealing a few things from a grocery store all the way to ending someone's life. Either way, it's a mistake someone's made.
From the day I met you, you've been nothing but helpful, and therefore I want you to know I'll always be here for you. Always.

Harry Styles, as much as you disagree with me, you'll never be a criminal in my book.

Caroline

I laid on the hotel bed and cried for 3 hours straight.

Caroline's POV:

So I started taking this science class here and this boy has been sitting next to me every day. If I squint my eyes from a distance he kind of looks like a professional actor or something he was real pretty.

His name was Gale and he's extremely nice. He really likes me too, he's taken me out like 10 times and we've become official... Although i don't think I liked him as he liked me.

He's nothing like Harry, but my parents approve of him. He opens the door for me, and he kisses me goodnight, he even holds my hand, but he's not Harry. I miss the bulky rings pushing between my skinny fingers so bad that it hurts.

I miss the smile on my face that was so big my cheeks hurt. But it was something I'll have to get on without.

I keep trying to figure out what it is about Harry that gets to me. Maybe just the fact that he trusts me. Or that he loved me when literally no one else did? Whatever it is... It was missing.

I didn't let Gale know though. I kept it simple. He was a good guy and it was nice to have someone around.

The first weekend I went back to my parent a house they forced me to dye my hair blonde. When it was done, it looked so natural that I keep having to get it done every other week.

It was November now (Harry's girlfriend rumors had been false, I found out a week ago despite I moved on from him, I was glad to know he was alone... Even if that's selfish.) and I was doing extremely well in college. I had outstanding grades and I was working really hard, I was relived when Gale said he was super low key, I didn't have to worry about him being around 24/7, he studied too.

The one date Gale and I stuck out, it was super fun. It reminded me that I can still smile once in a while.

(12 days ago: On the date.)

Gale and I were on a date at the aquarium. We just got inside and he couldn't stop smiling.

"What?" I asked and he shrugged.

"This is just going to be so fun," he said and I smiled. "I love doing stuff with you," he said and patted my shoulder.

I agreed with him and acknowledged his small gesture of affection. He led me the way, he obviously came here a lot.

We ended up staying around for almost 3 hours looking at fish, turtles, dolphins, you name it. He kept good conversation, and he even showed off his knowledge and put down a tour guide with his skills.

"Are we going to head back now?" I asked as everyone was leaving as the day grew old.

"Oh no, we haven't done the main part!"

Main part? "We've seen everything," I replied and laughed pointing to the map. "What haven't we seen that you want to?"

He grinned and started running down the long hall of tanks. I paused for a moment but started to jog behind him. "Wait up!" I called, suddenly laughing.

I ran completely down the hall and I couldn't see him anywhere. The end was an employee only door, so I stood there waiting for him to fall out of the sky I suppose.

It didn't take long, because he opened up the door and poked his head out. "Coming?"

I stared for a moment. "I'm not an employee," I say and he laughs, pulling me in with him.

He stood with two diving suits and I couldn't contain myself. "Are you going in the tank?!"

He grinned and he handed me a suit. "Go into that little room and change," Gale said and that was enough for me. I skipped right in and threw my clothes off, slipping on the full body suit.

I came back out and waited a moment for Gale to finish, and when he came back out he helped me pick out flippers and goggles.

We were all set and he led me down another hall.

"What tank are we going in?" I asked and he shook his head.

"You'll see," he teased and I rolled my eyes. It was always a surprise with him.

He opened a door and we climbed up the stairs carefully with out flippers and we ended up on the deck of the indoor dolphin arena.

The while place was empty and Gale called out a weird whistle, and a few dolphins began to leap out of the water.

I jumped up and down with excitement and he laughed as I did so, but I couldn't help myself. I was so happy.

Gale let me touch them and we got into the water. I was able to ride one by hanging onto it's fin, and honestly I don't think I've ever felt so free.

When we got out of the water, I could honestly say that was the best date I've ever been on, and that was the experience of a lifetime.

I was thankful for Gale, even if he was more of just a friend.

Tonight though, he was taking me out to a fancy restaurant downtown NYC. It was going to be so much fun.

Or at least I thought it would be.